Trade Minister: HIPMI’s Export Launch is First Step to Globalize Indonesian Products
Minister of Trade Muhammad Lutfi attending the launching of HIPMI product export to the global market that was held online in Jakarta, Thursday (8 April). (Photo: PR of Ministry of Trade
Ministry of Trade continues to strengthen its commitment to assist SME players to enter the global market and to boost national export.
The first agricultural commodity export of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI) to Australia is the first step to globalize Indonesian products, according to Minister of Trade Muhammad Lutfi who attended the export launching Thursday (08/04) in Jakarta.
“Ministry of Trade appreciates HIPMI that has successfully exported its products to Australia. This first export is the first step of HIPMI’s contribution to globalize Indonesia, so anywhere we go, we can find Indonesian products easily,” Lutfi said, adding that food and beverages from Indonesia will be a favorite overseas.
Echoing a similar sentiment, Ministry of Trade’s Director General of National Export Development Kasan stated that the launching of HIPMI product export is a positive start.
“Ministry of Trade continues to push for entrepreneurs, especially small and medium entrepreneurs, to reach (the global market) and become a global player. I hope the export will continue with an increasing number of entrepreneurs, products, and export destination countries,” Kasan said, adding that the launching of the first export to Australia is a step to realize the implementation of Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA).
Kasan also said that Ministry of Trade also continues to open access to markets through international trade agreements with trade partner countries.
According to Kasan, 22 out of 23 trade agreements have been implemented and other export markets are still open as it is an effort to boost Indonesia’s export performance through trade agreements, which is one of the mandates President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo gave to Ministry of Trade.
Kasan pointed out that there are three keys to improve export, namely provision of support, facilitation, and collaboration. Government’s support through related ministries / agencies, he said, such as Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Ministry of Industry, and others are needed by entrepreneurs in advancing their enterprises.
“With support, facilitation, and collaboration, SMEs can be more successful, the number of SMEs can increase, and they can boost their contribution to the economy, especially to national export,” Kasan remarked.
For the record, the total of Indonesia-Australia trade in January 2021 was 749.92 million USD, increased by 33.51 percent from the same period last year. The export of Indonesia to Australia amounted to 222.95 million USD, whereas the import of Indonesia from Australia was 526.96 million USD. (PR of Ministry of Trade/UN) (DH/EP)
The official website of Ministry of Trade can be accessed through this link.
